NOBLE LIES (Action/Suspense-Mark Rohr-Thailand-Cont) – G+Benoit, Charles – 3rd bookPoisoned Pen Press, 2007, US Hardcover – ISBN:1590584503First SenteNOBLE LIES (Action/Suspense-Mark Rohr-Thailand-Cont) – G+Benoit, Charles – 3rd bookPoisoned Pen Press, 2007, US Hardcover – ISBN:1590584503First Sentence: What he needed was a knife.*** Desert Storm vet Mark Rohr is now is post-tsunami Thailand. American Robin Antonucci want to hire him to find her brother, Shawn, who has been missing since the tsunami but Robin is certain she saw on a recent news video. What seems to be easy money quickly turns complicated with a Thai prostitute Pim claiming to be Shawn’s wife, her elderly man and small boy, the surviving members of Pim’s family, to protect from Jarin, a notorious gangster. Something about Robin’s story just doesn’t sit right either. *** Benoit’s major skill is sense of place. He gives us an uncompromising picture of post-tsunami Thailand and life among the homeless, dispossessed and criminal, and then takes us on a fast-paced trip half-way around the world. He also creates well developed, interesting characters, in whom I became invested. Finally, he gives us a high-action, unpredictable story with plenty of twists, turns and suspense to keep me turning the pages. I’ll admit Benoit’s first book, “Relative Danger” is still my favorite of his, but there’s no question that the man can write. ...more

Petroc is an 18-years old novice monk. He is waylaid by Sir Hugh de Kerveze and taken to the Cathedral where he is instructed to remove the relic of the hand of Saint Euphemia. Sir Hugh murders a priest, who comes across them in the Cathedral. He blames the murder on Petroc who runs to save his life. Thus also begins the adventure of his life.

Talk about a fascinating book. This one kept me reading straight through; one day, beginning to end. It’s not really a mystery, but it is a wonderful coming-of-age, adventure in a hard way. Vaughan-Hughes excels at description places, emotions and people. The only reason I didn’t give it an excellent is that the pacing is uneven. There is profanity and violence, but it is appropriate for the period and characters. You go from high suspense and excitement, to stretches of exposition. Even that, I found fascinating as it dealt with Petroc’s travels, learning to sail, his emotions and falling in love. I always look for what I may have learned from a book and, in this case, it was a lot; certainly about life during that period, reliquary and a bit about the Cathars. I thoroughly enjoyed this and am really looking forward to the next in the series....more

Filmmaker Thomas Lyon is making a movie--based on a best-selling book--of a real-life tragedy in the horse-raWILD HORSES - ExFrancis, Dick - 33rd book

Filmmaker Thomas Lyon is making a movie--based on a best-selling book--of a real-life tragedy in the horse-racing world. Twenty-some years ago, the young, attractive wife of a horse trainer was found hanged. Although her death was ruled a suicide at the time, Thomas' film reopens questions about what really happened. When Thomas' old friend Valentine Clark, a famous racing writer, whispers a puzzling deathbed confession about the years-old mystery, Thomas feels compelled to investigate. Problems begin to plague his film, and his life is threatened, but the mystery is too tantalizing for him to give up his quest for the truth.

When ex-jockey Sid Halley becomes convinced that one of his closest friends—and one of theCOME TO GRIEF - VGFrancis, Dick - 34th book / 3rd Sid Halley

When ex-jockey Sid Halley becomes convinced that one of his closest friends—and one of the racing world's most beloved figures—is behind a series of shockingly violent acts, he faces the most troubling case of his career. No one wants to believe that Ellis Quint could be guilty—so the public and the press are turning their wrath against Halley instead. Now he's facing opposition at every turn—and finding danger lies straight ahead…

Not as exciting as the others, but still very good with a theme of "courage is lonely." Love Dick Francis' books!...more

First Sentence: Frank Temple III walked out of the county jail at ten in the morning with a headache, a citation for public intox, and a notion that it was time to leave town.

Seven years ago, Frank Temple learned that his FBI agent father had also been a contract killer. His father was committed suicide just before he was to be arrested. Frank learned that Devin Matteson was the one who had turned his father and then gave him up to the FBI.

Now Frank learns, from Ezra, his father’s close friend, that Devin is headed back to the Wisconsin property where Devin’s father, Frank’s father and Ezra had once been friends, and where Frank is determined to bring justice for his father.

Koryta is one of those authors whose books I can not start without finishing it the same day.

I can’t think of a wrong note in the book, but his absolute strength is in the characters. He made me care about the protagonists, uncertain of the actions of the secondary characters and fear the villains. His dialogue is so good, I didn’t notice it. It’s a natural part of the whole story. His sense of place so accurate, you feel the elements. His action and suspense so palpable, I had to keep going to find the ending. His final twist so well done, I did not anticipate it.

The book is violent, but it is also very human with just the right dash of humor. But amongst all that, there are elements of philosophy, pathos, a bit of wisdom and an element of hope.

I have been a fan of each of Koryta’s books, and this was no exception. In the Acknowledgement, Ms. Koryta thanks, among others, Dennis Lehane and Michael Connelly. To my mind, he is easily fits easily among their ranks, if not a bit above. This is a man who really knows how to write.

First Sentence: Sark stopped, sank to his knees and listened, but the only sounds he could hear were the pounding of his own heartbeat and the rasping wheeze at the back of his throat as he fought desperately to draw air into his burning lungs.

The Navy sent two officers out to investigate reports of a smuggling operation and the increase in the number of enemy prisoners who have escaped detention from their prison ships. The first investigator was found having drowned and the second hasn’t been heard from.

The Home Secretary now requests the Bow Street, and Bow Street has assigned Matthew Hawkwood to go undercover aboard one of the ships. Conditions aboard ship are more vile that could be imagined and Hawkwood is soon fighting for his very life.

With each new McGee book, I am fascinated to see on what historical subject he will base his plot. The first book, “Ratcatcher,” had to do with political plots and the security of the Royal Family. The second “Resurrectionist,” was much darker and dealt with grave robbers. This third book focuses on the treatment of foreign prisoners of war and smuggling.

His period descriptions and historical detail make his books evocative and educational. This is high action and suspense at its best. Think Saturday matinee pirate movies. It is definitely plot, rather than character drive, but that doesn’t make the characters any less interesting. It does mean you don’t know whom to trust.

McGee’s writing is incredibly visual, which is both good and a bit hard to deal with at time, and it is always incredibly exciting. There is a bit of “ride to the rescue” at one point, but McGee even makes that work.

This is the consummate edge-of-the-seat, great weekend read and, I think, McGee’s best book so far....more

For millionaire jockey Alan York, winning is a bonus. For Joe Nantwich, victory means no cushy backhanders; and for Bill Davidson, front running on strongly fancied Admiral, triumph is an impostor. It means murder - his own. Turning private detective, York uses Joe's underworld connections to go on the trail of the killers - only to draw a series of blanks. But when ambushed by a gang of viscious thugs, he picks up some clues along with his cuts and bruises. Bill's murder begings to make more sense. Until York finds himself in hospital, without a memory.

I'm an admited anglophile and I love horses, but it was the characters, the plot and the suspense that grabbed me with this first book and has made me a confirmed Francis fan. ...more

Mysterious accidents start happening to jockeys, one man is found shot dead, while another is found with a broken leNERVE - ExFrancis, Dick - 2nd book

Mysterious accidents start happening to jockeys, one man is found shot dead, while another is found with a broken leg. When Robb Finn begins investigating, he finds himself caught up in a world of violence and twisted envy.

Another great Dick Francis book. Interesting and exciting. In this book, the protagonist is in love with his cousin who is a singer of madrigals. ...more

Proprietor of a stud farm in Australia's Snowy Mountains or muck-raking stable boy in Yorkshire? Danny Roke decides on the latter. It is the change of scene and the challenge that pushes Danny undercover, on the scent of a suspected racehorse dope scandal.

I loved this book. The conflict of the protagonists pride added an interesting element to the story....more

Sid Halley, an injured jockey, becomes a private eye and carries out some work for his fatheODDS AGAINST - ExFrancis, Dick - 4th book / 1st Sid Halley

Sid Halley, an injured jockey, becomes a private eye and carries out some work for his father-in-law, who believes a man is trying to financially ruin Seabury racecourse, so that it can be sold to property developers.

The first Sid Halley book with some very nasty villains and brutal scenes but great action and a memorable story. Loved it!...more

Lord Henry Grey was an amateur jockey and pilot. But when he decides to abandon his desk-bound job for an acFLYING FINISH - ExFrancis, Dick - 5th book

Lord Henry Grey was an amateur jockey and pilot. But when he decides to abandon his desk-bound job for an active career in the bloodstock market, he finds that there is more to couriering valuable horses around the world than he had ever suspected.

Interesting information about shipping horses and the dangers involved. Great character, excellent suspense....more

Gene Hawkings must travel to Kentucky, on the orders of his boss, to spend three weeks looking for kidnapped sBLOOD SPORT - VGFrancis, Dick - 6th book

Gene Hawkings must travel to Kentucky, on the orders of his boss, to spend three weeks looking for kidnapped stallions. But before he leaves, Gene's survival skills are called on closer to home, catapulting him into a maelstrom of blackmail and murder.

I wasn't quite as taken by this book as his others. The protagonist didn't speak to me in the same way....more

Bert Checkov was a Fleet Street racing correspondent with a talent for tipping non-starters. But the advice he gaFORFEIT - VG+Francis, Dick - 7th book

Bert Checkov was a Fleet Street racing correspondent with a talent for tipping non-starters. But the advice he gave to James Tyrone a few minutes before he fell to his death, was of a completely different nature. James investigates, and soon finds his own life, and that of his wife, at risk.

Very good suspense. Journalist with wife in an iron lung. Well done....more

Kelly Hughes is a jockey, labelled a cheat by a Steward's enquiry. To clear his name he investigates all those whoENQUIRY - ExFrancis, Dick - 8th book

Kelly Hughes is a jockey, labelled a cheat by a Steward's enquiry. To clear his name he investigates all those who gave evidence, including the Chief Steward who was being blackmailed. Kelly, helped by Roberta, his employer's daughter, finds out who the real villain is and saves the stables.

Loved this one. Francis has a way of making you feel the emotions of the characters. I also learned about carbon monoxide poisoning from this book....more

First Sentence: I picked four of them up at Whit Waltham in the new Cherokee Six 300 that never got a chance to grow old.

Matt Shore’s life and careerFirst Sentence: I picked four of them up at Whit Waltham in the new Cherokee Six 300 that never got a chance to grow old.

Matt Shore’s life and career as a pilot have been on a downward spiral. His latest job is with a flying taxi service for racecourses and his first flight ends with the plane exploding after he lands from sensing a problem with the aircraft. Although all the passengers are safe, it’s another black mark on Matt’s career and he wants to know why.

Although I’ve not read this particular book since January 1977, it reminds me why I became such of fan of Dick Francis’ writing.

The protagonist, Matt Shore, is so appealing and one of a style I appreciate—the “common” man caught up in an uncommon situation. He is not perfect. He is intelligent without being egotistical, attractive without being overbearing, and heroic without being macho. And, he gets the girl, but you know there are painful incidences along the way.

In spite of the opening portent, the story captivates you from the very first page and never lets you go. The pacing between suspense and respite is every effective. The writing is masterful—not a term I use lightly—and imminently readable. I was surprised how much of the plot I remembered after all these years, and that’s a real tribute to the author.

Whether Dick or Mary Francis was the primary author of this, and the other books by Dick Francis, I frankly don’t care. All I know is that it was a great read when I read it the first time, and it is a great read now.

This thriller, set in Newmarket, centres around Neil Griffon who is abducted by two ruthless men. When he is seBONECRACK - ExFrancis, Dick - 10th book

This thriller, set in Newmarket, centres around Neil Griffon who is abducted by two ruthless men. When he is set free he is the victim of vicious threats, weird extortion, and a nerve-wracking war of attrition.

Protagonist take over the running of his fathers racing stable. Wealthy man wants his son to be top jocky. Great suspense and wonderful ending....more

When a vicious gang of horse dealers threaten bloodstock agent Jonah Dereham they soon wish they had not. Dereham flushes out the real plot, and with it finds out just who the real Mr Big is. And when he does that, life suddenly becomes very cheap.

Steven Scott, inventor of Rola toys, owns horses but does not know much about them. He sacks his trainer becaHIGH STAKES - ExFrancis, Dick - 14th book

Steven Scott, inventor of Rola toys, owns horses but does not know much about them. He sacks his trainer because he suspects underhand dealings going on. He is soon to find out that moneymaking drives some people to manoeuvering and they will go a long way to protect themselves.

This is another of my favorites. Wonderfully plotted. Don't mess with a toy maker....more

Charles Todd makes a living as a painter of horses. However someone is making a fortune forging paintings bIN THE FRAME - VG+Francis, Dick - 15th book

Charles Todd makes a living as a painter of horses. However someone is making a fortune forging paintings by the masters and then selling them to people who usually end up dead. Charles arrives in Australia to investigate and is immediately on the trail of the fraudsters.

I the theme of paintings and frauds and the setting in Australia....more

Despite the fact that he thinks she's overreacting, ex-jockey turned detective Sid Halley agrees to keep an eye on an old friend's prize race horse before a big race, at the request of his buddy's wife. What should have been winning horses are not running as expected. At the same time, Halley's ex-wife, Jenny, has been set up for embezzlement.

This is another of my many favorites. I loved the scene with hot air balloons....more

Features Philip Nore, a steeplechase jockey with a passion for photography which helps him unravel a mysterious weREFLEX - ExFrancis, Dick - 19th book

Features Philip Nore, a steeplechase jockey with a passion for photography which helps him unravel a mysterious web of intrigue, blackmail and murder following the death of a ruthless racecourse photographer.

Dying grandmother, unknown half-sister, death of a racecourse photographer. Wonderful information about photography and processing....more

Physics teacher Jonathan Derry inherits trouble when his friend Peter gives him three innocuous-looking musical tapes that contain the computer language version of the betting system of a professional gambler named Liam O'Rourke. Unfortunately, Angelo and Harry Gilbert also know about O'Rourke's system and nothing will stop them from getting it. As usual, Francis will keep listeners enthralled as the menace and destruction associated with this system change the lives of everyone who touches it; from quick-witted physicist Jonathan to his younger, horse-loving brother William, everyone pays a heavy price.

One of my few not real favorites. It never quite clicked for me....more

Tim Ekaterin's merchant bank, like all banks, invests only in sure things. Now he is about to involve it in a £5 mBANKER - ExFrancis, Dick - 21st book

Tim Ekaterin's merchant bank, like all banks, invests only in sure things. Now he is about to involve it in a £5 million stallion. Top breeders reckon it's the safest bet in racing, but racing is riddled with dubious dealmakers - people to whom no bet is safe until it's paid in blood.

Andrew Douglas works for a company specializing in returning kidnap victims to their families. Italy's foremoTHE DANGER - VG+Francis, Dick - 22nd book

Andrew Douglas works for a company specializing in returning kidnap victims to their families. Italy's foremost woman jockey is kidnapped, then a racehorse owner's son and finally the Senior Steward of the Jockey Club. Douglas is brought in to deal with these cases.

Very well done. International settings, interesting information about rescuing kidnap victims....more

Tony Beach, wine merchant, knows his whisky, so to be asked to give his opinion of one particular bottle seems harmPROOF - VGFrancis, Dick - 23rd book

Tony Beach, wine merchant, knows his whisky, so to be asked to give his opinion of one particular bottle seems harmless enough - until he realizes that the bottle contains firewater of a highly-explosive nature.

Not one of my favorites, but still very good. I always learn something from his book and in this case it's about alcohol and wine. Still a great author....more